Why Change Your Wife?

About the production

The film was one of several collaborations between Cecil B. DeMille and Gloria Swanson, who became prominent director-star partnerships of the silent era. DeMille was known for his lavish productions and attention to detail in set design and costumes, which is evident in this film's depiction of fashionable society. The film's theme of marital discord and reconciliation was a popular subject in DeMille's work, reflecting changing social attitudes toward marriage in the post-World War I era.

Themes

Themes & topics

Historical background

Released in 1920 during the late silent period, Why Change Your Wife? reached audiences when exhibitors were still defining programming conventions. The narrative hook—Robert and Beth Bordon are married but share little—reflects what contemporary producers thought would draw viewers.

Why this film matters

Why Change Your Wife? remains discussed by archivists tracing how screen stories of its period represented work, desire, conflict, and social order. Its central situation—Robert and Beth Bordon are married but share little—still prompts questions about genre conventions and audience expectations.

Making of

The production of "Why Change Your Wife?" was marked by Cecil B. DeMille's meticulous attention to detail and his reputation for demanding performances from his actors. Gloria Swanson, who had already worked with DeMille on several films, had developed a professional relationship with the director that pushed her to new heights as an actress. The film's fashion elements were particularly important to DeMille, who believed that visual spectacle was crucial to audience engagement. The department store scene was elaborate sets constructed for the film, showcasing the latest fashions of the era. The film was shot during a period of transition in Hollywood, as the industry was establishing itself as the center of American film production. DeMille's approach to the material balanced social commentary with entertainment, a hallmark of his directing style.

What critics said

Trade and newspaper notices for Why Change Your Wife? generally emphasized casting, spectacle, and program fit rather than extended aesthetic argument. Retrospective screenings and archival notes continue to shape how viewers evaluate Why Change Your Wife? today.

Did you know?

• Why Change Your Wife?" was commercially successful films of 1920, helping to solidify Gloria Swanson's status as a major star.
• The film was remade in 1929 as "Saturday's Children" and again in 1937 as "That Certain Woman," though with different plots.
• Cecil B. DeMille and Gloria Swanson made six films together, with this being one of their most successful collaborations.
• The film's theme of marital dissatisfaction and the "new woman" reflected changing social attitudes in post-WWI America.
• Bebe Daniels, who played the "other woman," would later become a major star in both silent and sound films.
• The film's costume design by Clare West was particularly praised for its depiction of contemporary fashion.
• The movie was based on a story by Sada Cowan and William C. deMille, Cecil's brother.
• The film's success led to Swanson receiving a significant salary increase for her subsequent films.
• The original title was "The Other Woman," but was changed to "Why Change Your Wife?" before release.
• The film featured elaborate sets designed by Wilfred Buckland, including a fashionable department store and a luxurious summer resort.

Visual style

The cinematography of "Why Change Your Wife?" was handled by Alvin Wyckoff, a frequent collaborator with Cecil B. DeMille who was known for his technical skill and artistic sensibility. The film employed sophisticated lighting techniques to create mood and emphasize character development, particularly in contrasting the appearances of the two female leads. The visual style reflected DeMille's preference for elaborate compositions and attention to detail, with carefully constructed shots that highlighted the film's fashion elements and set design. The department store scenes featured particularly impressive cinematography, using camera movement and framing to showcase the luxurious settings and contemporary fashions. The film's visual approach balanced the need for clear storytelling in silent cinema with artistic flourishes that elevated the material beyond straightforward documentation.

Innovations

"Why Change Your Wife?" employed several technical approaches that were advanced for its time, particularly in its use of lighting and set design to support the narrative. The film's department store sequence featured impressive technical execution, with elaborate sets that allowed for complex camera movements and compositions. The makeup and costume transformations of Gloria Swanson's character demonstrated sophisticated understanding of visual continuity and character development through appearance. The film's editing techniques, particularly in the sequences showing parallel action between the separated characters, helped maintain narrative momentum and emotional engagement. The production design by Wilfred Buckland represented the state of the art in creating believable contemporary environments, with attention to architectural detail and period authenticity.

Music

As a silent film, "Why Change Your Wife?" would have been accompanied by live musical performances during its original theatrical run. The score would typically have been provided by a theater's organist or pianist, with cue sheets provided by the studio suggesting appropriate music for different scenes. The music would have ranged from light, playful pieces for the comedy scenes to more romantic melodies for the emotional moments between the main characters. The film's fashionable settings and scenes of social activity would have been accompanied by contemporary popular music of the era, helping to create an immersive experience for 1920s audiences. While no original score survives, the type of music that would have accompanied the film can be inferred from other DeMille productions of the period.

Memorable scenes

• The department store scene where Beth transforms herself through fashionable clothing and makeup, showcasing both visual spectacle and character development.
• The cabaret scene where Robert first meets Sally, featuring elaborate choreography and production design capturing 1920s nightlife.
• The summer resort scenes where the transformed Beth and Robert reconnect, providing the emotional climax with beautiful location photography.
• The divorce scene, demonstrating the film's approach to serious social issues within the framework of entertainment.
• The final reconciliation scene that brings the narrative full circle, emphasizing themes of growth and second chances.

What audiences thought

"Why Change Your Wife?" was highly popular with audiences upon its release in 1920, becoming one of the year's most successful films at the box office. Viewers responded positively to the film's relatable depiction of marital problems and its hopeful message about reconciliation and personal growth. The transformation of Gloria Swanson's character from a dowdy housewife to a fashionable woman resonated particularly well with female audiences, many of whom were exploring new possibilities for self-expression in the post-war era. The film's balance of social commentary with entertainment appealed to a broad demographic, helping it achieve commercial success across different audience segments. The movie's popularity contributed to Gloria Swanson's status as popular actresses of the silent era.

Film connections

Influenced by

• Contemporary drawing-room comedies exploring relationship dynamics
• Popular psychology literature on marriage and personal development
• Earlier DeMille films addressing social issues through entertainment
• Theatrical conventions adapted to cinematic medium
• Magazines and advertising shaping social attitudes
• Established storytelling traditions adapted to contemporary concerns

This film influenced

• Subsequent films dealing with marital discord and reconciliation
• Romantic comedies balancing social commentary with entertainment
• Films using costume and appearance changes for character development
• Movies using department stores and fashion as romantic comedy settings
• Films addressing contemporary social issues with commercial appeal

Film restoration

"Why Change Your Wife?" survives in complete form and has been preserved by major film archives, including the Library of Congress. The film exists in various 35mm and 16mm prints, with some versions showing different degrees of deterioration. The movie has been made available through various home video releases and streaming services, ensuring its accessibility to modern audiences. While some of the original tinting and toning may be lost in surviving prints, the essential visual and narrative content remains intact. The film's preservation status is relatively good compared to many silent films from the period, reflecting its historical significance and the popularity of its stars.

Where to watch

• The Criterion Channel
• Kanopy
• DVD releases from companies specializing in silent cinema
• Public libraries with extensive film collections
• Television channels dedicated to classic movies
• Online platforms specializing in classic or public domain films